Kurt Aslakson This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Article Archives

   www.cleanfax.com/article.asp?I - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/6/2002   Last Visited: 6/6/2002

   Carpet cleaners performing graffiti cleanup on walls, fences, etc. in residential areas will probably never many of the challenges Kurt Aslakson, owner, Graffiti Gone Inc., Chaska, MN, has dealt with since first employed in 1994 by the City of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Department to remove graffiti from the City parks and supervise a teen worker program.
   
   Aslakson didn't shy from rough areas - but threats from gang members gave him enough concern to apply for a handgun permit (which he was not granted).
   
   During his stint with the city of Minneapolis, Aslakson tested many of the products and sacrificial coatings used in graffiti removal. He also developed a specialized trailer system to house power washer, tools and cleaning solutions.
   
   Choosing formulations is critical: "The same solution strong enough to penetrate and saturate porous surfaces (cinder block, brick, concrete, etc.) may ruin a stop sign," says Aslakson.
   
   Sometimes no chemicals at all can be used. One of the biggest challenges Aslakson has faced is dealing with defacement of geological features. Limestone at scenic Minehaha Falls, a tourist attraction, was marred by graffiti. Aslakson says nothing but "straight-out power washing" could be used on the rock face over the water. Even power washing is likely to remove some soft stone layers. Here, as in carpet cleaning, non-toxic and less-toxic products are available. Traditional solvent types become more problematic as solutions are typically power washed away, creating the potential for run-off problems.
   
   Graffiti barriers

2. 2. Graffiti Gone Founder, Kurt Aslakson

   www.graffitigone.com/aboutthe. - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/10/1999   Last Visited: 6/10/2003

   Kurt Aslakson
   ...
   Photo of Kurt Aslakson Kurt Aslakson is a Journeyman Painter and member of Painters Local #386. It was through his union that he became involved with Graffiti removal in 1994 when he was employed by the City of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Department to remove graffiti from the City parks and supervise a program called Teen Works.
   
   In addition to graffiti removal he was responsible for testing products and sacrificial coatings used in graffiti removal for the very environmentally conscious Minneapolis Park Board.
   
   Kurt developed the highly mobile and very efficient Graffiti Gone Removal System which he has rented to the Park Board for three years. The trailer based system worked so well that the City has asked to buy one. Kurt applied for a patent on the unique design. Now the Graffiti Removal System is being manufactured and sold throughout North America.
   
   Kurt has become interested in the role graffiti removal has in promoting community pride and discouraging gangs and vandalism. He has contributed to the community with donations of time and equipment for graffiti removal. Organizations he has worked with include:

3. 3. Article Archives

   www.cleanfax.com/article.asp?I - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/4/2002   Last Visited: 1/4/2002

   Carpet cleaners performing graffiti cleanup on walls, fences, etc. in residential areas will probably never many of the challenges Kurt Aslakson, owner, Graffiti Gone Inc., Chaska, MN, has dealt with since first employed in 1994 by the City of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Department to remove graffiti from the City parks and supervise a teen worker program.
   
   Aslakson didn't shy from rough areas - but threats from gang members gave him enough concern to apply for a handgun permit (which he was not granted).
   
   During his stint with the city of Minneapolis, Aslakson tested many of the products and sacrificial coatings used in graffiti removal. He also developed a specialized trailer system to house power washer, tools and cleaning solutions.
   
   Choosing formulations is critical: "The same solution strong enough to penetrate and saturate porous surfaces (cinder block, brick, concrete, etc.) may ruin a stop sign," says Aslakson.
   
   Sometimes no chemicals at all can be used. One of the biggest challenges Aslakson has faced is dealing with defacement of geological features. Limestone at scenic Minehaha Falls, a tourist attraction, was marred by graffiti. Aslakson says nothing but "straight-out power washing" could be used on the rock face over the water. Even power washing is likely to remove some soft stone layers. Here, as in carpet cleaning, non-toxic and less-toxic products are available. Traditional solvent types become more problematic as solutions are typically power washed away, creating the potential for run-off problems.
   
   Graffiti barriers